Tiger Woods update: Accenture drops Tiger marks loss of first sponsor (video)

Tiger Woods update: Accenture drops Tiger marks loss of first sponsor
AIn this Nov. 14, 2009 file photo, Tiger Woods, from the United States, lines up a putt during the third round of the Australian Masters golf tournament at the Kingston Heath Golf Club in Melbourne, Australia. Authorities say Woods has been seriously injured in a car wreck in Florida. The Florida Highway Patrol says the PGA star hit a fire hydrant and a tree as he pulled out of his driveway early Friday, Nov. 27, 2009, in his 2009 Cadillac sport utility vehicle. Woods was taken to Health Central Hospital. His condition was not immediately known, though the news release said his injuries were serious. (AP Photo/Andrew Brownbill, File)

Tiger Woods has officially lost his first sponsor: Accenture. On December 13, 2009, Accenture Ltd. Announced that they are ending their relationship with Tiger Woods. The Global consulting firm released a statement that reads,

“For the past six years, Accenture and Tiger Woods have had a very successful sponsorship arrangement and his achievements on the golf course have been a powerful metaphor for business success in Accenture’s advertising. However, given the circumstances of the last two weeks, after careful consideration and analysis, the company has determined that he is no longer the right representative for its advertising.” The announcement followed news revealed from Proctor and Gamble that they were phasing out commercial ads featuring the pro-golfer.

Since the onset of Tiger Woods’ scandal, which followed a single car crash on November 27, 2009, the public has speculated whether or not Tiger would lose his sponsors. Gatorade announced last week that they were ceasing the Tiger Focus drink, but stated that the decision had been made before the scandal broke out.

Proctor & Gamble has not announced a definite termination to their relationship with Woods but rather said that while Tiger requests privacy to work on his family issues, the company will grant his privacy by removing his television ads. The announcement from Accenture marks the first sponsor to terminate their endorsements based upon the scandal.

Tiger Woods’ agent at IMG Mark Steinberg released a comment in response to Accenture’s decision. It reads, “Accenture has made a decision to not continue with their sponsorship. We are disappointed but respect their decision.”